Olympic torch parade to pass through Sutton North

The Olympic torch will pass through the Sutton North ward on 23rd July on the final leg of a 70,000 relay across Britain. The flame torch will be carried along Sutton High Street, up Angel Hill turning left into Sutton Common Road and then right at Reigate Avenue up to Rosehill Roundabout.

I am pleased that the route includes such a large part of the ward, in an event which will be televised live.

Olympic route in orange. Ward boundary in red.

The 2012 torch, which bears more than a passing resemblance to a cheese grater, will also pass through other areas of Sutton borough. It will enter from Croydon at about 2pm and visit Carshalton Ponds before continuing to Sutton High Street. All parties on the council last night agreed to erect over 200 Olympic banners along the route.

Cllr Graham Tope, Executive Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Libraries at Sutton Council, said: “The Olympics are just around the corner and the announcement of the route through Sutton will give residents the chance to start planning the build up to the greatest sporting event in the world.

“I hope lots of local people will take to the streets to cheer the torch on its way through our borough, just a few days before the Games begin. It’s going to be a fantastic day and I’m sure we’ll all remember it for years to come.”

Lord Coe said: “The flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets. Now the people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate.”

The Olympic torch may have been invented by Nazi Germany but, aside from its’ history, I’m delighted that its’ passing through Sutton North ward. It will be a chance for the community to cheer the torch-bearers on and I’m sure there will be a real community spirit.